The Coast Guard and Maui Fire Department were searching late last night for a man who was last seen kite boarding off Kihei, Maui.

A person reported that the man was seen struggling and heading farther offshore about 6:30 p.m. yesterday, the Coast Guard said. The crew of a 47-foot Coast Guard boat from Maui found the board, but could not locate the man.

An HH-65 Dolphin Helicopter from Coast Guard Air Station Barbers Point was sent to the scene to assist in the search along with Maui fire officials.

CALLER, EYE IN SKY LEAD TO ARREST

A tip to police and the presence of the police helicopter Tuesday helped thwart the plans of an alleged car thief in Mililani.

An anonymous caller phoned the Wahiawa police station about 11:45 a.m. Tuesday to report that a man could be found sitting in a stolen Ford Mustang at the corner of Waikalani Street and Waikalani Place.

As the officers approached the Mustang, the driver sped away.

A police helicopter, in the area for an unrelated reason, watched as the vehicle smashed into a parked truck.

The helicopter pilot told officers on the ground that the driver ran into a nearby building. Officers arrested the suspect.